how can theology be to blunt,to straightforward and to honest?

Christians have always had the problem that real christianity is just too crazy for normal people. Early on they started to pick and choose which parts of the OT they wanted to keep (e.g. drop the sabbath commandment but keep the no other gods commandment, change the sin of Onan to masturbation, forget about killing children for cursing their parents).

Still, after people started to read the NT the church discovered it had a bunch of crazy verses in there as well that just didn't make sense (e.g. different descriptions in different gospels of supposedly the same event). So they started editing (e.g. adding the last chapter of Mark, inserting a trinitarian statement into 1 John) and making things up to explain the discrepancies (e.g. one genealogy is Joseph's and the other is Mary's).

The modern church is still at it. Jesus expected his followers to live like Buddhist monks, giving up earthly possessions and following the gospels. This doesn't sit well with corporate America (or corporate christianity). Neither do verses regarding hating your family if you are to become a christian. So you are probably reminding people that real christianity is for nut cases. The problem from a church's point of view is that nut cases don't give generously to the pastor's salary, much less to the building fund.

Truth is not crystal clear in reality. Truth takes some effort! It takes time to gain wisdom and understanding because to often life well show you the meaning of things after you have lived the principle of it without understanding. The text can not replace the stories of life as the greatest teacher. It is life that we celebrate through Jesus teachings. So, tell the story with the embodiment of reality. It well not be so readily dismissed or discouraging because they will be curious.

Good Question! We all ask this essential question sometime, somewhere, somehow and many times!

In looking at your initial question it appears that you are asking a few questions:

1. Do I come across as blunt, straightforward, and honest?

2. What's wrong with coming across that way?

3. Can you be honest and blunt at the same time and preserve the message you are trying to convey without turning people off or creating resistance?

Let me answer them in order.

1. I don't know you personally, but I'm gathering from your Sermon instructor's comment that you probably come across that way, even if it isn't your true intention. This can happen a few ways. You might be intolerant of particular issues, or you might convey your personal political opinions in your messages, or perhaps you tend to preach on controversial topics more than necessary. Those are just a few thoughts.

2. When you come across as an honest person - people generally respect you. If you are a straightforward person, and you know that about yourself, and you take the attitude of "Well this is just how I am, so deal with it" then I think people get the wrong idea about you. There are ways to convey your opinions and understandings without sounding arrogant or blunt. Think about how Jesus responded to the Pharisees. Every time he responded perfectly. He always said exactly what needed to be said in a way people could understand without being rude or blunt. Being matter-of-fact without concern for present company or knowledge of differing opinions isn't always the way to go. There is a time and place for it.

3. As I mentioned before, sometimes when you are blunt about something, you can loose the message you intended to convey. If you are so passionate about a topic, a passage in scripture, or any issue that you can't carry on a conversation without falling into the blunt category, then you probably aren't prepared or equipped to deliver a sermon to a group of people, regardless of their opinion on the same matter. Being passionate about something (your theological views for instance) is a good thing; but in order to share them without loosing the meaning or intent, you must first seek to understand the others' viewpoints. If you are unable to understand the train of thought or logic behind opposing viewpoints, then you might have a difficult time presenting yours. People may categorize you as closed-minded, intolerant, etc.

As a Christian myself, I tend to have strong opinions on certain matters, especially regarding social issues, political issues, but most importantly theology and doctrine. There are some issues I am incapable of talking about to a large group because I am so passionate about them. I have to choose not to do that though. Sometimes your silence, or respectful conversation speaks volumes more to your point than being blunt.

I hope I answered your question. I'd be interested to know what your theology is specifically related to your question.

There is no such thing as straightforward honest christian theology. You cherry pick the parts of the bible that support your perverse and twisted beliefs while ignoring or explaining away the rest. There is no such thing as a trinity, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not GOD because Jesus said so in The Apocryphon of John, one of the inspired texts the christian church tried to destroy. Jesus also said that the god of the o.t. is satan NOT His Father. Who will you choose to believe, Jesus or Moses?

A lot of people don't really like the truth. Remember that line by Jack Nicholson, "You can't handle the truth!" How real that is! Truth is truth. Now, we should all speak the truth in love, but no matter how we say it, if it's true, it's true! Jesus said many would be offended in His name. As long as your theology, (and everybody has one), is correct, don't worry about who is offended by it, just make sure you are delivering it with compassion and sincerity.

Some people have a hard time hearing things in a blunt manner, but don't let that change you! I personally find it refreshing when people are brutally honest, straightforward and to the point.

Everyones truth is differant maybe your making them think or question their beliefs and they don't like it. Either way be an individual and have thoughts of your own. It's ok to see thinks in a differant light then others.

Religious thinking is, essentially, an aggregation of autistic certainty, animistic labeling, and concrete thinking.

I bet it's because you tell people they will go to hell.